Rating Agency - Had to resign

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

Transparency in Interviews

• Be Honest but Tactful: When discussing your departure, it's important to be honest but also tactful. You can mention that you left due to a difference in vision or direction with your manager, which led to a mutual decision to part ways. Avoid framing it as a conflict or being pushed out, as this can raise red flags.
• Focus on Positives: Highlight your achievements and growth over the twelve years, emphasizing your promotions and the responsibilities you handled. This will help shift the focus to your strengths and contributions.

Opportunities in London

Given your qualifications (CFA and ACCA) and extensive experience, there are several avenues you can explore in London:

1. Investment Banking (IBD)

   • Advisory Firms: Firms like Rothschild, Lazard, and other mid-market or small-cap advisory firms often value the skills and experience of someone with your background.
   • Corporate Finance (CF): Transitioning to a corporate finance role within a Big4 professional services firm could be a good fit. Many professionals move from CF/TS (Transaction Services) to IBD roles.

2. Private Equity (PE)

   • PE Firms: Your experience in analyzing corporate credit and your CFA qualification can be highly valuable in private equity. Consider reaching out to headhunters like KEA, Walker Hamill, and Blackwood, who specialize in PE placements.

3. Hedge Funds (HF)

   • Hedge Funds: Your expertise in the oil and gas sector can be particularly attractive to hedge funds focusing on long/short equity, high yield, or event-driven strategies.

4. Asset Management (AM)

   • Asset Management Firms: Your analytical skills and sector expertise can be leveraged in asset management roles, particularly those focusing on energy or EMEA markets.

5. Corporate Development/Strategy

   • Corporate Roles: Large firms, especially those in the oil and gas sector, often seek experienced analysts for roles in corporate development, strategy, or investor relations.

6. Consulting

   • Consulting Firms: Firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain (MBB) often look for experienced professionals with deep industry knowledge for their consulting roles.

Networking and Headhunters

• Networking: Continue to leverage your network and attend industry events. Networking is crucial in London, even if it's not as emphasized as in the States.
• Headhunters: Engage with headhunters who specialize in your areas of interest. For PE, consider KEA, Walker Hamill, and Blackwood. For sell-side roles, Hinton Rose and Angove Partners are good options.

By focusing on your strengths and exploring these opportunities, you can find a role that aligns with your experience and career goals. Good luck!

Sources: Investment Banking in the UK - An Overview, Have I messed up my future?, Outside NYC/SF, how would you rate cities for finance/consulting/corporate opps?, International Student - Chance of getting an IBD internship in London?, IB not worth it (London vs Continental Europe)